They were successful from the beginning, with their 1981 single "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)" setting the stage for the breakthrough success of the album 'Pelican West' (1982). The single "Love Plus One" was even bigger than anything previous, and Haircut 100 seemed poised for stardom just as Heyward decided to seek a solo career. The remainder of the band tried to continue with the album 'Paint and Paint' (1984), with percussionist Mark Fox taking over Heyward's vocal duties, but they broke up soon after.
Although somewhat dismissed as a 'one hit wonder' due to the spread of blockbuster hit "Love Plus One", the band proved influential by the late 00s when new wave revivalist bands such as Vampire Weekend and No Kids emerged employing a similar style of preppy, afrobeat-like guitar pop.
Lemon Firebrigade
Haircut 100 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lemon firebrigade, why?
Why, oh why
Lemon firebrigade, why?
Why, oh why
Lemon firebrigade, why?
Why, oh why
Lemon firebrigade, why?
The lyrics to Haircut 100's song Lemon Firebrigade are open to interpretation, but they seem to reflect the singer's frustration, confusion, and sense of urgency. The repeated question "Why, oh why / Lemon firebrigade, why?" suggests that the singer is addressing some entity or group, perhaps with the expectation of a clear answer or solution. The phrase "Lemon firebrigade" itself is somewhat mysterious and possibly metaphorical. It could refer to a group of people or tools that are meant to help, but are in some way inadequate or faulty. Alternatively, it could be a nonsensical phrase meant to convey the singer's sense of disorientation.
The urgency of the song is conveyed by the repeated "why, oh why" refrain, as well as the fast-paced, upbeat tempo and the use of horns and percussion. Overall, the song seems to be a call for action or change, but the exact nature of that action or change remains unclear.
Line by Line Meaning
Why, oh why
The singer is questioning the reason for something.
Lemon firebrigade, why?
The singer is specifically asking about the 'lemon firebrigade' and why it exists or why it is doing something.
Why, oh why
The repetition emphasizes the singer's confusion and frustration about not understanding.
Lemon firebrigade, why?
The repeated question suggests that the artist wants the lemon firebrigade to provide an explanation or justification for their actions.
Why, oh why
Once again, the artist expresses their bewilderment and perplexity.
Lemon firebrigade, why?
The singer is seeking clarity and understanding from the lemon firebrigade.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Boyce
Beautiful bassline , flows like a single malt scotch .
charcolew
In the list of all-time underrated bands, Haircut 100 would still be way too underrated.
Sean
Love it. Pelican West always brings a smile on my face.
Purplenpinkk
OMG...that bassline!
Cyril MOURLEVAT
Et que dire des cuivres!
Anthony Austin
Listened to this when I was about 14..fast forward 43 years later and still enjoying it x
yeast
Great vocals
KunaiMelee
Thank you so much for posting these new uploads my suggested video feed is flooded with Haircut 100 videos tonight and I love it cheers brothers to many more nights of Haircut 100 🙏
Johnny The Asian Lover
just heard this on the radio 😄
bee
Great! I was surfing thru Spotify and found this last week :)